A Survey-driven Evaluation of Patients Response to the Introduction of Google Glass in the Orthopaedic Trauma Clinic

Google Glass is a new low-profile wearable technology that allows physicians to record hands-free video and pictures and to directly video link and communicate with other wearers of this device. In addition to this, the device has a heads up display that is capable of searching the internet on voice command. The device has the same functionality as a smart phone with the benefit of being hands-free and wearable. The device is currently in a beta testing period where "Explorers" are accepted by application to a program to use and assess the device. The investigators have been able to obtain three of these devices.

The Google Glass device has the ability to help improve connectivity between physicians not in the same locale, increase efficiency and provide better access to vital information used in a medical and surgical setting. The device has clear teaching implications and will enable academic physicians to disseminate information to more students and in situations not previously possible. As the device evolves its potential to do more will likely develop further. It is important to assess the impact of this rapidly growing field on patient sentiment and wellbeing. As this is a very new device, very few studies have been done to assess its application in Medicine and specifically orthopaedic surgery. So far only very specific and small studies have been done with regard to immunochromatographic analysis, pharmacology, forensic medicine and Parkinson's disease. The investigators are aiming to assess the applications and patient perspective of this device on a much larger scale. The investigators feel this technology and its future offspring could be polarizing with regard to patient response. This could be an important element to consider in the future development of its clinical applications.

There are no direct medical risks to the patient. No decisions regarding patient care will be dependent on the device.

Study Objective Primary question: What is the patient's level of acceptance and response to this new technology? Secondary question: From a doctor's perspective, how effective is this new tool in the Orthopaedic clinical setting?

Design Patients seen in the Orthopaedic Trauma clinic will be asked to consent for potential video/picture recording using the Google Glass device during their visit with the orthopaedic surgeon or resident. Eligible patients will be assigned to one of two consulting rooms: one with the Google Glass device, one without.